In this EQ Bank review, I’ll walk through the accounts, explain how the Notice Savings Account works, break down why the EQ Bank Card is one of my favourite travel tools, and share what I don’t love.

What is EQ Bank?

EQ Bank is the digital banking arm of EQB Inc., the parent company of Equitable Bank, which has been around since 1970. There are no branches. Everything happens through the app or website, and that lower overhead is how EQ Bank can skip the monthly fees and pay more interest than the major banks on everyday balances.

EQ Bank isn’t trying to be a full-service bank for everyone. It’s built for Canadians who want their savings to earn something, who don’t need a teller, and who are comfortable doing their banking on their phone.

It’s worth noting that EQ Bank recently purchased PC Financial so you could see the EQ Bank brand in Loblaw and Superstore grocery stores in the future.

EQ Bank Personal Account

The Personal Account is the hub of everything at EQ Bank. You need one before you can open any other EQ Bank product, and it acts like a hybrid of a chequing and savings account.

What you get:

• No monthly fees and no minimum balance
• Unlimited free Interac e-Transfers and bill payments
• Mobile cheque deposits
• Direct deposit for your pay
• Free international money transfers through EQ Bank’s partnership with Wise
• Interest calculated daily on your full balance and paid monthly

How the interest rate works

This is the part people need to understand. There’s a base rate that everyone gets, and a much higher bonus rate if you direct deposit your pay. To qualify, you need recurring direct deposits of at least $2,000 a month going into your Personal Account or Joint Account. Payroll, pension and annuity deposits count. This can be a pain for freelancers like me who don’t have regular paycheques.

Once you qualify, the bonus rate applies to your Personal Account, Joint Account and EQ Bank Card balance. It doesn’t apply to your registered accounts or the Notice Savings Account, which have their own rates.

The base rate on its own is nothing special. You really need to have direct deposit set up or you need to utilize the notice savings accounts to get a more competitive rate.

What it can’t do

You can’t write cheques, get a bank draft or deposit cash. If you get paid in cash or regularly need a certified cheque for things like a home closing, you’ll need a traditional bank alongside EQ Bank. Transfers out to a linked account at another bank also take a couple of business days, so plan ahead.

How the EQ Bank Notice Savings Account works

The Notice Savings Account is EQ Bank’s most unique product, and it’s what I recommend to most people who want a better return on their savings without locking money into a GIC.

The idea is simple: you agree to give EQ Bank advance notice before you take money out, and in exchange you get a higher rate. You pick one of two versions:

• 10 Day Notice Savings Account: you give 10 days’ notice to withdraw
• 30 Day Notice Savings Account: you give 30 days’ notice and earn a higher rate than the 10-day option

Notice accounts are common in the U.K. and Australia but rare in Canada. While waiting for your money for up to 30 days sounds annoying, you give up flexibility for a higher savings rate. If you need quick access to your funds, just keep it in the regular EQ Bank savings account.

Notice Savings Account vs. a GIC

Think of it as a rolling short-term GIC that you never have to renew. A GIC locks your money for a set term, and many can’t be cashed early. With the Notice Savings Account, your money is never locked up for longer than 10 or 30 days, and you can add money anytime.

How I’d use it

• Planned expenses. Saving for a trip, a car, renovations or property taxes? You know when the bill is coming, so request the withdrawal a month ahead.
• The bulk of an emergency fund. Keep a few weeks of expenses in your Personal Account and put the rest in a Notice Savings Account. If something comes up, put it on a credit card (and earn points), request a withdrawal, and pay the bill off when the money arrives.

The notice period is real, and EQ Bank can’t speed it up for you, so only put in money that you don’t need soon.

EQ Bank Card

The EQ Bank Card is the reason I recommend EQ Bank to almost every traveller I talk to. It’s a free prepaid Mastercard linked to your Personal Account, and it has no foreign transaction fees on both purchases and ATM withdrawals.

No foreign exchange fees

Most Canadian credit and debit cards add a 2.5% fee on top of the exchange rate whenever you pay in a foreign currency. The EQ Bank Card doesn’t. You just get Mastercard’s exchange rate, whether you’re tapping in Paris, withdrawing cash in Tokyo or buying something online in U.S. dollars.

That applies to ATM withdrawals too, which is where this card really stands out. Pulling cash abroad with a regular Canadian debit card usually means an FX markup plus a withdrawal fee from your bank. That said, always choose to do the exchange in the local currency as opposed to Canadian dollars to avoid hidden exchange fees.

ATM fees

• In Canada: EQ Bank doesn’t charge ATM fees, and it reimburses the fee the ATM operator charges you. That means you can use any ATM in the country, including the convenience store ones.
• Outside Canada: EQ Bank still doesn’t charge you anything, but it won’t reimburse a fee charged by the foreign ATM’s owner. Look for local banks that don’t charge fees and you can usually avoid them entirely.

Other features

• No monthly, annual or loading fees
• 0.5% cash back on purchases
• Your card balance earns interest at the same rate as your Personal Account
• Works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and can be added to your mobile wallet
• You can lock and unlock the card instantly in the app if you misplace it

Other EQ Bank accounts

Joint Account

The Joint Account works just like the Personal Account, with the same features and the same rate structure, but you share it with other people. It’s handy for household bills or saving toward a shared goal. Joint accounts are also insured separately from your individual deposits under CDIC rules.

TFSA, RRSP and FHSA

EQ Bank offers TFSA, RRSP and FHSA versions as cash savings accounts or GICs. There’s no stocks, ETFs or mutual funds here, so these are only for the safe portion of your registered savings. They’re a good fit if you’re parking FHSA money for a down payment in the next year or two, or you want guaranteed returns in your TFSA.

US Dollar Account

The US Dollar Account is one of the more underrated products. It pays interest on your U.S. dollars, which most big banks don’t do, and you can send USD internationally through Wise. If you get paid in U.S. dollars, own U.S. property or travel to the States a lot, it’s worth having.

GICs

EQ Bank’s GIC rates are regularly among the most competitive in Canada, with terms ranging from three months to 10 years. I won’t list rates since they change often, but they’re always worth comparing if you’re laddering GICs.

Quebec availability

If you live in Quebec, you can open the Personal Account, TFSA, GICs and the EQ Bank Card. Some products, including the Notice Savings Account, RRSP, FHSA and US Dollar Account, aren’t currently available there.

What I like and don’t like about EQ Bank

What I like

• No FX fees on the EQ Bank Card. No foreign exchange fees on purchases or ATM withdrawals, which saves real money on every trip.
• Free ATM withdrawals in Canada. EQ Bank reimburses the fees other ATM operators charge, so any machine works.
• You can lock your card in the app. If you can’t find your card, you can lock it in seconds and unlock it once it turns up.
• The Notice Savings Account. It’s a useful middle ground between a savings account and a GIC.
• No everyday banking fees. Unlimited e-Transfers and bill payments with no minimum balance.
• Cheap international transfers through the Wise partnership.
• A US Dollar Account that pays interest, which is rare in Canada.

What I don’t like

• You need direct deposit for the best interest rate. The base rate on the Personal Account is pretty ordinary. If you can’t or won’t move your paycheque, you’re missing out on the main appeal of the account.
• No cash deposits or cheques. You’ll still need a traditional bank for those.
• ATM fees abroad aren’t reimbursed. EQ Bank doesn’t charge you, but foreign ATM owners still can.
• Registered accounts are cash and GICs only. There’s no way to invest in ETFs or stocks inside an EQ Bank TFSA, RRSP or FHSA.
• Not everything is available in Quebec.
• Transfers to other banks aren’t instant. Expect a couple of business days, plus the notice period if the money is in a Notice Savings Account.

EQ Bank vs. the alternatives

EQ Bank isn’t the only option for high-interest savings or fee-free travel spending. Here’s how I’d think about the main alternatives.

If you’re chasing the highest savings rate, it’s worth comparing promo offers from other digital banks. They can beat EQ Bank for a few months, but you’ll be moving money around every time a promo ends. EQ Bank’s advantage is that its rates aren’t tied to limited-time conditions, so you can set it up and leave it.

For travel, I think the best combo is a no FX fee credit card for big purchases and the EQ Bank Card for cash.

Final thoughts

EQ Bank remains one of my favourite banks in Canada, but it’s not the best choice for everyone. The Personal Account is excellent if you direct deposit your pay and just average if you don’t. The Notice Savings Account is the smartest product EQ Bank has made, as long as you respect the notice period. And the EQ Bank Card is a must-have for any Canadian who travels.

Use EQ Bank alongside your main bank, put each account to work for what it’s good at, and you’ll come out ahead. With PC Financial and PC Optimum now in the picture, I’m also curious to see what EQ Bank does next.

EQ Bank FAQ

Is EQ Bank a real bank?

Yes. EQ Bank is the digital banking platform of Equitable Bank, a Schedule I Canadian bank owned by EQB Inc. Eligible deposits are CDIC insured.

Who owns PC Financial now?

EQB, the parent company of EQ Bank, bought PC Financial from Loblaw in a deal that closed on July 1, 2026. Loblaw took a stake of about 16% in the bank, and EQ Bank became the exclusive financial partner of PC Optimum.

Does EQ Bank have branches?

No. EQ Bank is fully digital. With the PC Financial purchase, it now has access to PC Financial’s ATM network and a retail presence in Loblaw stores.

Can I deposit cash into EQ Bank?

Not directly. You’d need to deposit cash at another bank and transfer it to EQ Bank.

Is the EQ Bank Card a credit card?

No. It’s a prepaid Mastercard linked to your Personal Account. You spend your own money, there’s no credit check, and it doesn’t build your credit history.

Does the EQ Bank Card charge foreign transaction fees?

No. There are no foreign exchange fees on purchases or ATM withdrawals. You get Mastercard’s exchange rate.

How long does it take to withdraw from a Notice Savings Account?

Your money is available on the 11th day for the 10-day account or the 31st day for the 30-day account. Transfers to another bank take an extra two to three business days.

How do I get EQ Bank’s highest interest rate on the Personal Account?

Set up recurring direct deposits of your pay totalling at least $2,000 a month into your Personal or Joint Account.

So when should you get a life insurance policy? Well, that’s up for debate, but if you have any dependents, you need to have a policy now. The cost of an insurance policy won’t even break your budget, however, there are quite a few factors that will affect your life insurance premiums.

The underwriting process may seem a bit complicated, but in the end its your age and health that will determine how much you pay.

The factors that affect your life insurance premiums

Age – This is one of the main factor when determining what affects your life insurance premiums. The younger you are, the lower your rates will be. Obviously when you’re younger you have a much lesser chance of dying, so insurance underwriters don’t need to worry about paying your family anytime soon. Even though rates are lower is your younger year, you don’t need to pick up a policy ASAP unless you have dependents.

Gender – Statistics have proven that women live longer, so as a result, their can expect their life insurance premiums to be lower. Women on average live 5 years longer than men, so that’s why they need to save a little more for their retirement compared to men.

Health – Taking a medical exam when purchasing a life insurance policy is pretty standard, and the results help determine what premiums you pay. If you’re in good health, you’ll get the best pricing, but if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol , you can expect to pay more. Some insurers may offer “no exam” policies, but those will almost always cost more.

Weight – Similar to your health, weight is a big factor when determining your life insurance premiums. If you’re overweight or obese, you’ll definitely end up paying more. It’s been proven that overweight people experience more health issues and die earlier. These extra risks means more costs for the insurer, which they’ll just pass onto you.

Smoking – Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, it does some serious damage to your health, and as a result it also ups the cost of life insurance. If you’re a smoker, don’t be too surprised if your premiums are double than non-smokers. If you’re ready to call it quits, many insurance providers will lower your premiums once you’ve been smoke free for a year.

Drinking – Similar to smoking, insurance companies want to know if you’re a heavy drinker. Having the occasional drink is fine and normal, but if you’re a heavy drinker, you and your liver will pay for it.

Your Medication – If you happen to be taking any medication for a serious illness or condition, you better believe that insurance underwriters want to know about it. Many medications can have side effects that affect your health, which in turn will increase your premiums. LSM Insurance has a great article about 5 medications that could affect your life insurance application that’s worth checking out.

Your family history – Unfortunately, your family medical history is pretty important to insurers. If your family has a history of heart disease, cancer, or any other major health condition, you can expect your premiums to go up. Not all insurers will put a heavy emphasis on your family’s medical history, but it’ll still have some kind of impact.

Lifestyle – Do you live life to the max? Does skydiving, race driving, or climbing mountains get your adrenaline going? Well these activities will increase the odds of you dying prematurely so as a result, you’ll pay a premium on your insurance policy. Even if you work a “dangerous” job, there’s a good chance you’ll pay extra.

Final thoughts

Keep in mind that you might already have some life insurance through your employer. The good thing about that is you won’t have to take a medical exam and you can usually top up your coverage. The major downside of course is that if you ever leave your employer, you might be in a position where you’re not insurable due to your current state of health. To fully protect yourself, simply purchase a separate policy.

Unlike some of the other free birthday stuff in Toronto lists you’ve seen online, I live here and I update this guide regularly. For this October 2026 update, every deal was checked against the brand’s own rewards or sign-up page where one exists. Several offers changed this year, a few disappeared and some new ones were added.

Quick answer: what are the best birthday freebies in Toronto?

The best birthday freebies in Toronto in 2026 are a free Build Your Own Grand Slam at Denny’s, a free birthday buffet at Mandarin (with three paying adults), a free regular sub and drink at Jersey Mike’s, a free drink or food item at Starbucks, a free Tim Hortons reward, and a free beauty gift at Sephora. Almost all of them require you to join a free loyalty program or email club at least 7 to 14 days before your birthday, and many require ID or a purchase.

Three rules will get you the most free birthday food in Toronto:

• Sign up early. Many programs need your birthday on file 1 to 14 days in advance, and some need a recent purchase.
• Bring photo ID. Denny’s, Mandarin, What A Bagel and iHalo Krunch all check.
• Check the redemption window. Some offers are birthday-only (Denny’s, Tim Hortons), while others last a week, a month or your whole birthday month.

Toronto birthday freebies at a glance (2026)

Here are all 39 birthday freebies in Toronto and the GTA, in alphabetical order. Details and fine print for each are further down.

Best Toronto birthday freebies by category

• Best free birthday meal: Denny’s Build Your Own Grand Slam. You only pay for a drink, tax and tip.
• Best for a group dinner: Mandarin. The birthday person eats the buffet free when three adults pay.
• Best free lunch: Jersey Mike’s regular sub and 16 oz drink, with no purchase required.
• Best free coffee: Starbucks or Tim Hortons. Grab both on the same morning if you can.
• Best free bubble tea: The Alley or Chatime.
• Best free dessert: Boston Pizza, Kelseys, Harvey’s pie, Lone Star or a slice of Billy Miner Pie at The Keg.
• Best non-food freebie: Sephora’s Beauty Insider gift, followed by The Body Shop and Kiehl’s.
• Best for kids: Swiss Chalet’s free kids’ meal (10 and under) at participating locations.

How to plan a day of free birthday food in Toronto

You obviously won’t get to every spot on your birthday, so here’s how I’d string a few together:

1. Breakfast: Free Build Your Own Grand Slam at Denny’s (Yonge and Sheppard or St. Clair).
2. Morning coffee: Claim your Starbucks or Tim Hortons birthday reward.
3. Lunch: Free sub and drink at Jersey Mike’s.
4. Afternoon treat: Bubble tea at The Alley or Chatime, then a free cone at iHalo Krunch.
5. Errands: Pick up your Sephora gift and six free bagels at What A Bagel for tomorrow.
6. Dinner: Mandarin with three friends, or a free dessert at Boston Pizza, Kelseys or The Keg.

Set a reminder about two weeks before your birthday to sign up for everything at once. That covers even the programs with the longest lead times.

The full list: 39 birthday freebies in Toronto

A few of these spots are in the GTA rather than the city itself, but I felt they were worth a mention. Offers can vary by franchise, so call ahead if you’re making a special trip.

1. The Alley

The Alley doesn’t really advertise it, but app members get a free bubble tea on their birthday. A reader let me know the coupon is now only good on the day itself, so don’t wait. The drink comes sealed, so you can stash it in the fridge.

2. Applebee’s (Ajax)

Applebee’s only has a handful of Ontario locations, and the closest one is at 155 Kingston Road in Ajax. As of July 2026, it’s Ontario’s first combined Applebee’s and IHOP. Club Applebee’s email members have historically received a free entrée with the purchase of another meal on their birthday.

3. Arby’s

Growing up, I loved Arby’s because there was one beside the arcade at my favourite mall. It’s an acquired taste, and there are no locations left in Toronto proper. App users report a free shake or cookie with any purchase around their birthday.

4. Baskin-Robbins

Club 31 members get a free 2.5 oz scoop when they buy a scoop on their birthday. If you’re throwing a party, watch your inbox for a discount on an ice cream cake too.

5. The Body Shop

The Body Shop Canada went through restructuring in 2024, but it’s now Canadian-owned with about 64 stores, including Sherway Gardens. Its free Love Your Body Club includes birthday rewards, plus points on every purchase.

6. Boston Pizza

Join MyBP and you’ll get two free starters right away: an appetizer for dine-in and Bandera Pizza Bread online. You also get a free dessert on your birthday and a free gourmet individual pizza on every MyBP anniversary. The birthday reward lands in your account 7 days before your birthday, it’s dine-in only, and offers expire after 2 months.

7. Chatime

Chatime’s Societea app gives members a free birthday drink. Register your birthday ahead of time so the reward loads before your big day. Some members report you need at least one prior purchase, so make a small one early.

8. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has opened several locations around Toronto. Chick-fil-A One members all get a Chocolate Chunk Cookie or Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Silver members can choose a small milkshake, Frosted Lemonade or Icedream instead. Red members get a sandwich or nuggets, and Signature members get their choice of entrée.

9. Cora

Cora no longer advertises its old $5 birthday coupon. Members of the Cora loyalty program earn triple points on their birthday, and the offer is good for 30 days.

10. Crumbl Cookies (new)

Crumbl Rewards members at Silver tier or higher get a birthday voucher that covers a cookie. Add your birthday to your profile at least 48 hours ahead or you’ll miss it.

11. DAVIDsTEA

Good news: DAVIDsTEA is opening stores again, including CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Sherway Gardens and Square One. Frequent Steeper members get bonus points on their birthday, which you can put toward free tea.

12. Dairy Queen

The Blizzard Fan Club is now only open to Quebec residents. In Ontario, you need the DQ Rewards app instead. Make an order of $1 or more in the 45 days before your birthday, and your birthday offer shows up in the Deals tab on your birthday.

13. Denny’s

The best-value birthday freebie in Toronto is at Denny’s. Dine in on your actual birthday with valid photo ID and you’ll get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam. You must buy at least one beverage and pay tax and tip. The offer isn’t valid at the Dundas (Toronto), Brampton or Nepean locations. Yonge and Sheppard and St. Clair participate, as do Dixie, Courtneypark, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Oakville and Whitby.

14. Harvey’s

Harvey’s has improved its perk. Join the Burger Boss Club and you get free Frings as a welcome gift, plus a free pie on your birthday.

15. iHalo Krunch (new)

This Toronto ice cream shop gives you a free cone on your birthday. Just show your ID at the counter.

16. IHOP (new)

IHOP now has GTA locations in Brampton and Ajax. Members of IHOP’s rewards program get free pancakes for their birthday. Sign up before your birthday month starts.

17. Jersey Mike’s (new)

This is one of the most generous freebies on the list. Join the Jersey Mike’s Email Club and you’ll get a coupon for a free regular sub and 16 oz drink about a week before your birthday. Your sign-up has to be confirmed at least 8 days before your birthday, or the offer rolls to next year.

18. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Want steak on your birthday? Let your server at The Keg know you’re celebrating and you’ll typically get a free slice of Billy Miner Pie with your meal. It’s dine-in only and isn’t advertised, so treat it as a nice bonus.

19. Kelseys

Kelseys is one of the few family restaurants still offering a free birthday dessert. Sign up for its Road Trippers emails and you’ll also get a free Four Cheese Spinach Dip with an entrée, plus $10 off on your sign-up anniversary.

20. Kettlemans Bagel

Kettlemans serves Montreal-style bagels at several Toronto locations. App members have reported getting a free dozen bagels on their birthday.

21. KFC

KFC app users get a free popcorn chicken coupon for their birthday. It’s good for 30 days, so there’s no rush.

22. Kiehl’s (new)

My Kiehl’s Rewards members receive a free birthday gift. Stop by a Kiehl’s counter or store during your birthday month.

23. Lindt (new)

Join MyLindt Rewards and add your birthday at least one day before, and you’ll get a code for a free 150 g LINDOR bag. In-store redemption needs a $20 purchase, and online orders need $35.

24. Lone Star Texas Grill

Lone Star has GTA locations including Etobicoke near the airport and Newmarket. Members of The Sizzle get a free birthday dessert worth up to $9.99, good for 30 days and dine-in only. You also get free queso and chips after signing up and bottomless chips and salsa on every visit.

25. Mandarin

Many people will say the best birthday freebie is at Mandarin, and it’s hard to argue. Sign up for the Mandarin Dish and you’ll get a free birthday buffet when you dine in with three paying adults. You can use it from one week before to one week after your birthday. Bring the printed coupon and photo ID.

26. Marble Slab Creamery

Marble Slab now runs its birthday perk through its app. Sign up at least 7 days before your birthday for a birthday surprise in your rewards inbox. In my experience it’s usually a free scoop deal.

27. Medieval Times

Medieval Times used to offer a free birthday dinner and show. Now, its Birthday Fellowship sends a special birthday-month coupon code instead. It’s still a good deal at the Toronto castle, but it isn’t free entry.

28. Menchie’s

Download the app and join mySmileage to get a $5 birthday credit. Menchie’s is self-serve and priced by weight, so you can keep your cup under $5 and pay nothing.

29. New York Fries

The Fry Society program isn’t well known, but members get free regular fries on their birthday. A reader confirmed with customer service that you need to have spent at least $50 in the past year to qualify.

30. Panera Bread

Panera has locations around the GTA, with a downtown store announced for College Street. MyPanera members have reported getting a free pastry around their birthday, even though it isn’t advertised.

31. Papa John’s

Papa John’s gives Papa Rewards members a birthday cookie, and it’s the big pizza-sized one. You need to have placed an order in the past year.

32. Perkins

Perkins has a location in Pickering. Newsletter subscribers get a free Magnificent Seven breakfast for their birthday: two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes and bacon or sausage.

33. Pizza Hut

Hut Rewards members get a birthday reward. Most people report free breadsticks, though some receive a dessert.

34. Red Lobster

Join Red Lobster’s Fresh Catch Club at least 10 days before your birthday to get a surprise birthday offer. You also get a free appetizer or dessert coupon with two adult entrées when you sign up.

35. Sephora

Sephora Beauty Insiders can pick a free birthday gift set during their birthday month, or take 250 points instead in store. It’s free in store, or online with a $25 purchase.

36. Starbucks

Starbucks revamped its rewards program on March 10, 2026. All members get a free drink or food item on their birthday. Green members must claim it on the day, Gold members get 7 days and Reserve members get 30.

37. Swiss Chalet

Many Swiss Chalet locations let kids 10 and under eat free on their birthday. It’s up to each franchisee, so call your local restaurant first.

38. Tim Hortons

Add your birthday to your Tims Rewards account at least 7 days ahead and scan at least once in the past 12 months. Your birthday offer appears two days before your birthday at 8 a.m. and lasts until 8 a.m. the day after. Readers tell me the choices include a drink or a breakfast sandwich.

39. What A Bagel

If you like bagels, What A Bagel gives you six free bagels when you buy six. Just show photo ID. There are locations on Spadina, St. Clair West, Queen East, Dufferin and York Mills.

Birthday freebies in Toronto: FAQ

Where can I get a free birthday meal in Toronto?

Denny’s gives you a free Build Your Own Grand Slam when you dine in on your birthday with photo ID and buy a drink. Mandarin gives you a free buffet with three paying adults, and Jersey Mike’s gives Email Club members a free regular sub and drink.

Which Toronto birthday freebies require no purchase?

Jersey Mike’s, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Harvey’s, iHalo Krunch and Sephora (in store) don’t require a purchase. Denny’s needs a drink purchase, and Mandarin needs three paying adults.

How early should I sign up for birthday rewards?

Sign up about two weeks before your birthday. Mandarin emails the coupon two weeks ahead, Red Lobster needs 10 days, Jersey Mike’s needs 8, and Tim Hortons and Marble Slab need 7.

Do I need ID to get birthday freebies?

Yes, for some. Denny’s, Mandarin, What A Bagel and iHalo Krunch ask for photo ID. App-based rewards like Starbucks and Tim Hortons just need your birthday in your account.

Can I get birthday freebies after my birthday?

Often, yes. Boston Pizza rewards last 2 months, Lone Star and KFC 30 days, and Sephora your whole birthday month. Denny’s, The Alley and Starbucks Green members must claim on the day.

Is the Denny’s birthday breakfast still free in Toronto?

Yes, at participating locations such as Yonge and Sheppard and St. Clair. It’s not valid at the Dundas Street location in downtown Toronto.

Is the Mandarin birthday buffet still free?

Yes. Sign up for the Mandarin Dish newsletter and dine in with three paying adults within a week of your birthday. Bring the printed coupon and photo ID.

More birthday freebie guides

If you’ll be out of town for your birthday, check out my guides to birthday freebies in Vancouver and birthday freebies across Canada.

BMO Rewards is Bank of Montreal’s in-house points program, earned on BMO credit cards including the BMO eclipse and BMO Ascend lineups. Each point is worth up to 0.67 cents when you redeem it for travel or invest it with BMO. You can book travel with any airline, hotel or travel site and apply your points afterward, with no blackout dates. The trade-off is that 0.67-cent ceiling, which is lower than most Canadian bank programs. A 5x earn rate is really a 3.35% return, not 5%.

Don’t confuse BMO Rewards with BMO Blue Rewards, the program that replaced AIR MILES for BMO cardholders. They’re two separate currencies, and you can’t move points between them.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 0.67¢ for travel (150 points = $1) and BMO investments (15,000 points = $100). Everyday purchases through Pay with Points get 0.5¢. Gift cards, merchandise and the fixed statement credit pay less.
• Best cards: the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite ($120 a year) for everyday spending, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard ($150) for travel, the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege ($599) for big spenders, and the no-fee eclipse rise Visa to start.
• Top earn rate: 5 points per $1, which works out to a 3.35% return when redeemed for travel.
• Expiry: points don’t expire as long as you have an open BMO Rewards credit card.
• Skip it if: you want airline transfer partners, a fixed-points flight chart, or points worth a full cent. BMO Rewards has none of those.

Here’s what BMO Rewards points are worth, how to earn them faster, and where they go furthest.

How much are BMO Rewards points worth?

BMO Rewards points are worth 0.67 cents each when you redeem them for travel or a contribution to a BMO investment account, and nothing pays more than that. Every other option is worth less, sometimes half as much.

The rule: aim for 0.67 cents every time. If you have no travel coming up, Pay with Points on everyday purchases at 0.5 cents beats gift cards, merchandise and the old statement credit.

What’s changed: Pay with Points now works on almost any purchase, not just travel, and you can redeem for as little as $1. That makes the old 15,000-points-for-$50 statement credit pointless.

How do you earn BMO Rewards points?

You earn BMO Rewards points with BMO eclipse and BMO Ascend credit cards, and the fastest way to build a balance is a welcome bonus. Here’s where the points come from.

1. Credit card spending. The eclipse and Ascend cards earn 1 to 5 points per $1, with the top rates on groceries, dining, gas, transit, drugstores or travel, depending on the card. The no-fee eclipse rise Visa earns per $2 spent instead. Accelerated categories have annual spending caps, so check them before you lean on one card. The card comparison is below.
2. Welcome bonuses. Offers range from 20,000 points on the no-fee eclipse rise Visa to up to 200,000 points on the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege.
3. Authorized user boosts. Add a cardholder and the eclipse Visa Infinite earns 10% more points, while the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege earns 25% more.
4. Annual bonuses. The eclipse rise Visa pays up to 5,000 bonus points a year: 2,500 for redeeming at least 12,000 points with Pay with Points, and 2,500 for paying your balance on time for 12 months.

To translate earn rates into real returns, multiply by 0.67. Five points per $1 is a 3.35% return, 3 points per $1 is 2%, and 1 point per $1 is 0.67%.

How to redeem BMO Rewards points for the best value

The best BMO Rewards redemptions pay 0.67 cents per point: travel you’ve charged to your card, or a deposit into a BMO investment account. Everything else is a step down.

Travel

BMO no longer forces you to book through its own portal. Charge any eligible travel to your BMO Rewards card, then cover it with points at 150 points per $1.

• How to do it. Sign in to bmorewards.com or the BMO Mobile Banking app, open the Pay with Points tab, pick the travel charge and choose how many points to use. You can cover part or all of the purchase, starting at $1. The credit shows up in 3 to 5 business days.
• What counts as travel. Airlines, car rental agencies, hotels and resorts, vacation packages, cruise lines, eligible vacation rentals, passenger railways, timeshares, travel agencies and tour operators. Charges from other merchants drop to the 200-points-per-$1 rate.
• Mind the clock. You have 90 days from the purchase date to apply points.
• Keep your loyalty perks. Since you book directly, you still earn Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points and status benefits on the same trip.
• Watch foreign currency. BMO Rewards cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, and your points cover the converted amount including that fee. Hotels abroad that charge at checkout can cost more points than you expect.

One little-known perk: the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard’s travel insurance applies when you charge any portion of your trip to the card, including trips you pay for with points. Read your certificate of insurance for the details.

Investments

You can redeem 15,000 BMO Rewards points for a $100 contribution to an eligible BMO savings or investment account. That’s the same 0.67-cent value as travel, and it’s the only way to turn BMO Rewards points into cash without taking a haircut.

Think long term. A $100 contribution to a TFSA or RRSP earning 5% a year grows to about $265 after 20 years. If you aren’t travelling, this is the smartest use of your points.

Everyday purchases

Pay with Points also covers non-travel purchases at 200 points per $1, or 0.5 cents per point. Groceries, a gym membership, a streaming bill: if it’s on your card in the last 90 days, you can wipe it out with points. It’s a 25% drop from travel value, but it’s the best fallback.

What to avoid

Gift cards, merchandise and the fixed statement credit. Gift cards usually work out to around 0.43 to 0.55 cents per point, merchandise ranges anywhere from 0.30 to 0.80 cents depending on the item, and the statement credit pays just 0.33 cents. To check a gift card, divide the dollar value by the points needed: $100 for 23,000 points is 0.43 cents.

Best BMO Rewards credit cards right now

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite is the best pick for most households because of its 5x earn rate on groceries, dining, gas and transit. Frequent travellers should look at the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, and the no-fee eclipse rise Visa is the easy way to start.

The Ascend’s 5x travel rate applies to your first $15,000 in travel each calendar year, and each 3x category is capped at $10,000. The eclipse cards also cap their 5x categories annually, then drop to 1 point per $1.

Income requirements matter here. The Ascend World Elite needs $80,000 in personal or $150,000 in household income, and the eclipse Visa Infinite needs $60,000 personal or $100,000 household. The eclipse rise Visa has no minimum. BMO also offers a business card that earns BMO Rewards.

Offers change often. Check BMO’s site before you apply, and see my picks for the best BMO credit cards.

5 tips to get more from BMO Rewards

1. Always take the travel rate. Only merchants coded as travel get 150 points per $1. Check that a charge appears as travel in Pay with Points before you redeem.
2. Don’t miss the 90-day window. Points can only be applied to purchases from the last 90 days. Redeem right after your trip, not at the end of the year.
3. Invest when you’re not travelling. A deposit to a BMO investment account pays the same as travel, and it keeps growing.
4. Add an authorized user. On the eclipse Visa Infinite (10%) and eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege (25%), it boosts your earn rate for free or close to it.
5. Downgrade, don’t cancel. Points disappear when you close your last BMO Rewards card. Ask BMO about switching to the no-fee eclipse rise Visa, or redeem everything before you close.

How does BMO Rewards compare to other Canadian programs?

BMO Rewards tops out at 0.67 cents per point, which puts it behind Scene+, where most redemptions pay a full cent. It also can’t match programs with fixed-points flight charts like RBC Avion or CIBC Rewards, or programs with airline and hotel transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards.

Its edge is earning and flexibility. The eclipse cards’ 5x categories, book-anywhere travel with no blackout dates, partial redemptions from $1, and full-value investment deposits are all solid. That’s why I still rank it last among Canada’s bank travel rewards programs, but it’s a good program if you spend heavily in the bonus categories.

BMO Rewards FAQ

How much are BMO Rewards points worth?

Up to 0.67 cents each when redeemed for travel (150 points = $1) or a BMO investment account (15,000 points = $100). Everyday purchases pay 0.5 cents, and gift cards, merchandise and statement credits pay less.

How many BMO Rewards points do I need for a flight?

Multiply the price by 150. A $500 flight takes 75,000 points, and you can cover part of it with points and the rest with your card.

Do BMO Rewards points expire?

No, as long as you have an open BMO Rewards credit card. Close your last one and your points are gone, so redeem first.

How do I use BMO Rewards points for travel?

Charge the trip to your BMO Rewards card, sign in to bmorewards.com or the BMO app, go to Pay with Points and select the purchase within 90 days. The credit posts in 3 to 5 business days.

Can I convert BMO Rewards points to cash?

Yes. The best way is a contribution to a BMO savings or investment account at 15,000 points per $100. Pay with Points on everyday purchases is worth 0.5 cents per point.

Is BMO Rewards the same as BMO Blue Rewards?

No. Blue Rewards replaced AIR MILES and has its own cards and partners. The two point balances can’t be combined.

Does BMO Rewards have transfer partners?

No. Points redeem at a fixed value, so you can’t move them to Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy or any other program.

What is the best BMO Rewards credit card?

The eclipse Visa Infinite ($120 a year) for everyday spending, the Ascend World Elite Mastercard ($150) for travel and lounge access, and the eclipse rise Visa (no fee) if you want a starter card.

Let’s be clear, if you’re going to get a pet, you need to be in a position to provide proper care for it. Skipping pet insurance is fine if you have a “pet savings account” in place, but no pet should be put down just because their owner didn’t budget properly.

What pet insurance covers

Coverage can be incredibly confusing, we’re talking about insurance after all. Coverage differs depending on the breed; It shouldn’t surprise you that Bulldogs have respiratory problems or that Pugs have eye problems. When you decide on a breed, look into their health history as it could save you thousands in medical bills.

Generally speaking, pet insurance covers diagnostic tests, surgery, and medication. Annual check-ups and vaccinations are not covered by per insurance, nor is micro-chipping and teeth cleaning. Pre-existing conditions are almost never covered so if you’re thinking about getting pet insurance, do it when your pet is at a young age and relatively healthy.

What pet insurance costs

Everything is insurable for a cost; even your pet lizard can be insured if you really wanted. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to assume we’re talking strictly about cats and dogs.

Pet insurance can be had for as low as $8 a month or as high as $100. Premiums increase for various reasons including; what city you live in, the medical history of the breed, and if you require illness coverage. Dental work is usually not included with pet insurance, but generally speaking, the higher the premium, the more coverage you’ll get.

Set up a pet savings account

What most people don’t realize is that pet insurance doesn’t usually cover the entire amount of any services required. Some plans cover up to a certain percentage while others will require a deductible. When you add that to the regular monthly costs you’re paying, it’s no wonder many people ask themselves: Is pet insurance worth it?

An alternative to pet insurance is setting up a pet savings account. That money you would have spent on insurance goes into a savings account, which pays for any medical bills that come up.  The advantage of this is that, if your pet is relatively healthy, you still have the money. If your pet requires any medical attention in its early years, you may not have enough funds saved up yet.

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][icon name=”share” class=””] Related: What’s your savings rate?

Final word

Well, is pet insurance worth it? In my opinion no. With so many exclusions and the fact that policies don’t cover all the costs; having a pet savings account seems to be the better solution. Pet insurance does have its benefits, but usually, it’s better suited for owners who don’t want to put aside money every month, or those who prefer the peace of mind that comes with insurance.

If you decide to purchase pet insurance, check out ConsumerAffair’s pet insurance guide where you can compare brands, features, and options available to you. Every policy is different so take the time to get multiple quotes and read the fine print to find out what exactly is covered before committing to an insurer. Don’t forget to check out petinsurancereview.com to read reviews of the different pet insurance providers.

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Image courtesy: Lindsey Turner, Ted Van Pelt / StockPholio[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The federal government essentially offers 2 Canadian student loan programs to help with your education costs. They of course don’t just give loans away, you need to demonstrate that you actually require financial assistance.

Every province handles loans differently but you can get all the information you need including application forms from the CanLearn website. Note that Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories do not participate in the loan programs but they offer their own financial assistance.

Canada Student Loan Program

The Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) by far the largest program providing financial assistance to Canadian students. This program is available to both part-time and full-time students and depending on your eligibility, you could receive up to 60% of your tuition in federal loans. The maximum loan amount changes every year so be sure to find out what the cap is when you apply. You begin paying back your loan when you meet any of the following criteria.

• have graduated from your studies
• transferred to part-time studies
• have left school; or
• are taking time off school for more than 6 months

For the first 6 months after you leaving school, you won’t need to make any payments on your Canadian student loan but interest will accumulate. It’s up to you to contact your loan provider to set up a repayment schedule.

Canada Student Grants Program

The Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP) is awarded based on your financial need, but unlike the CSLP, you’re not required to pay them back. When applying for any student financial assistance, you will automatically be assessed for any student grants. If you’re enrolled as a part-time or full-time student at an eligible post secondary institution you may qualify for one of the following 7 grants.

• for students from low-income families
• for students from middle-income families
• for full-time students with dependants
• for part-time studies
• for part-time students with dependants
• for students with permanent disabilities
• for services and equipment for students with permanent disabilities

It is possible to qualify for more than one of these grants and some schools will even offer you grants to attend.

Studying Abroad

Canadian student loans for studying abroad are available in the form of scholarships, grants and bursaries. Check out the following websites for more information.

• Government of Canada International Scholarships Program
• Canadian Bureau for International Education

Student Lines of Credit

If you need additional funding, all the major banks in Canada offer student lines of credit. Unlike the CSLP you’re required to make interest payments only as soon as you start using the loan. Most of the loans give you a 12 month grace period upon graduation before you need to payback the principal but the monthly interest payments still apply.

Having a line of credit is convenient, but you don’t want to get in the habit of borrowing too much while still in school. The last thing you want is to graduate with massive student debt.

Americans studying in Canada

Americans studying in Canada who require financial assistance can apply through the Federal Student Aid program. The different types of aid available to Americans include Pell grants, work-study programs, loans, and Teaching programs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sR9fko5KeE&feature=youtu.be&t=17s

Who?

Okay like Star Lord you may have never have heard of Robert R. Brown, but his book Wealthing Like Rabbits shares many similarities to Guardians of the Galaxy, as in it’s full of pop culture references that takes you on adventure.

Rabbits and zombies

As we all know rabbits are pretty famous for multiplying, the earlier they start the higher their population becomes, of course the same could be said about compound interest and the zombie apocalypse according to Brown.

“Ever week England receives 110 new zombies.  This continues for the next forty years. . . on average only six out of every one hundred zombies chow down on the British citizenry annually, zombamafying them into new zombies.  How many zombies would be in England after forty years?”

“There would be  824,627 zombies in England after forty years”

Never would I have imagined comparing compound interest to zombies.  An original introduction to personal finance indeed.

It doesn’t matter

I have to admit, I love Brown’s writing/style since it’s very similar to how I view and talk about finances.

“In our increasingly materialistic world. it’s more important than ever for people to be comfortable doing what’s right for them, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Yet, far too often we see Buddys and Buddy-Lous out there spending money they don’t have on things they don’t need so that they can appear wealthier than they are in a futile attempt to keep up with those damn Joneses. Screw the Joneses! And by the way, the Joneses probably aren’t as well off as they look either. . .sadly, beneath the imitation wealth and artificial happiness there is often a lot of very authentic debt and stress.”

Appearances are deceiving, that big house, nice car, and annual vacation can all be obtained right now on credit. Listen to Brown, don’t worry what others are doing, forget what others are doing or how “rich” they appear, it doesn’t matter.

Mario mortgages

Probably my favourite chapter, Brown takes a look at the famous video game brothers as they look for homes with their bags of golden coins.  the help of the bank, Mario the more famous brother decides to buy a big home and takes on a big mortgage. Luigi however decides to purchase a modest home at a much lower price.

Brown of course breaks down the real cost of buying too much home and reminds us what the banks are all about.

“Retail banks are in the business of providing financial services or products to make a profit.  They are very good at it.  They are not in the business of ensuring that your house purchase is a smart decision for you and your long-term financial health.”

Final word
Okay I don’t want to give away anymore of the book but Brown covers a wide range of topics including: debt, credit cards, lines of credit, HELOC’s, pay day loans, opportunity costs and much more. Basically he covers topics that could apply to any one of us.

If you’re new to personal finance then this book is definitely worth picking up as an introduction to the subject. Even if you’re familiar with your finances the book is still worth checking out since Brown has an engaging style of writing.

Wealthing Like Rabbits is available online now, you’ll also be able to pick it up in Indigo later in the month. You can also follow Robert on Twitter: @wealthingrabbit

Scene+ (formerly Scotia Rewards) is Scotiabank’s points program, and it now runs alongside partners like Sobeys, Cineplex, Shell and Home Hardware. Points are worth 1 cent each on nearly every good redemption, so the smart play is to earn fast on groceries and dining, then spend points on travel, food or movies.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 1¢ for travel, groceries, dining, Cineplex, Home Hardware and Shell. Gift cards, merchandise and statement credits pay less.
• Best cards: the Scotiabank Gold American Express ($120 a year) for groceries, the Passport Visa Infinite+ ($150) for travel, and the no-fee Scene+ Visa to start.
• Top earn rate: up to 6 points per $1 at Sobeys-owned grocery stores with the Gold Amex.
• Expiry: points don’t expire while you hold an eligible Scotiabank product. After you close it, they expire after 24 months of inactivity.
• Skip it if: you want airline transfer partners or a fixed-rate flight chart. Scene+ has neither.

Here’s what Scene+ points are worth, how to earn them faster, and where they go furthest.

How much are Scene+ points worth?

Scene+ points are worth 1 cent each on almost every redemption worth making, and nothing pays more than that. Groceries, dining and movies match travel at 1 cent, so you don’t have to travel to get full value.

The rule: never redeem for less than 1 cent unless you have to. Statement credits and merchandise are the worst uses of your points.

How do you earn Scene+ points?

You earn Scene+ points four ways: with a Scotiabank or Tangerine credit card that earns you Scene+ points, by scanning your Scene+ membership at partners, through Rakuten, and by booking on Scene+ Travel. Stack them and your points pile up fast.

1. Credit card spending. Premium cards earn up to 6 points per $1 at partner grocers and 2 to 5 points on dining, entertainment and other everyday categories. Debit cards earn 1 point per $5. The card comparison is below.
2. Your membership at partners. Scan your Scene+ card or app at Sobeys-owned grocers, Cineplex, Home Hardware and Shell. Shell pays 1 point per litre of fuel and 1 point per $1 in store and at the car wash.
3. Rakuten.ca. Link your Scene+ and Rakuten accounts and earn Scene+ points instead of cash back at hundreds of retailers. Exclusive offers can pay up to 20% more.
4. Scene+ Travel. Book hotels, car rentals and activities through the portal and earn 3 points per $1.

One recent change: Cineplex cut its earn rate on May 13, 2026. Regular tickets, food and merchandise now earn 3 points per $1 instead of 5, while premium formats like IMAX and VIP earn 6. Redemption is unchanged at 100 points = $1.

How to redeem Scene+ points for the best value

The best Scene+ redemptions all pay 1 cent per point, so use your points where they replace real spending: travel, groceries, dining and movies.

1. Travel

You have two options, and both pay 1 cent.

• Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia). Book flights, hotels, car rentals and activities with no blackout dates. Prices match other travel sites, and you earn 3 points per $1 on hotels, car rentals and activities. The trade-offs: no hotel map view, a limited list of car rental companies, and cruises need a phone call.
• Apply Points to Travel. Book anywhere you like, then use points to cover the charge within 12 months of the purchase. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, trains, buses, vehicle rentals, travel agencies, taxes, fees and travel insurance all qualify. Points have historically had to cover the entire purchase. Scotiabank says partial redemptions are coming, so check before you book.

2. Groceries and dining

Grocery redemptions work at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, IGA, Co-op, Thrifty Foods and Voilà. Dining redemptions work at 700+ restaurants, including Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Montana’s, Kelsey’s, East Side Mario’s and Bier Markt. Both are a great fit if you don’t travel much.

3. Movies, fuel and home

Cineplex, the Rec Room and Playdium all redeem at 1 cent. So do Shell and Home Hardware. Redeem points on full-price tickets only. If a showtime is discounted, pay cash.

What to avoid

Statement credits, merchandise and gift cards all pay less than 1 cent. If you’re stuck, gift cards are the least bad of the three.

Best Scotiabank Scene+ credit cards right now

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is the best pick for most households because of its grocery earn rates. Travellers should look at the Passport Visa Infinite+, and the no-fee Scene+ Visa is the easy way to start.

Best Scotiabank Scene+ credit cards right now

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is the best pick for most households because of its grocery earn rates. Travellers should look at the Passport Visa Infinite+, and the no-fee Scene+ Visa is the easy way to start.

The Gold Amex’s higher rates apply to your first $50,000 in purchases each year, then drop to 1 point per $1. Both annual fees can be waived with an eligible Scotiabank account.

A few other options. The Passport Visa Infinite Privilege ($599) and Platinum American Express ($399) are premium cards for heavy travellers. The Tangerine Rewards World Elite Mastercard launched in 2026 and also earns Scene+ points. Scotiabank offers business cards too.

Offers change often. Check Scotiabank’s site before you apply.

5 tips to get more from Scene+

1. Do the math on groceries. Six points per $1 at 1 cent each is a 6% return on Sobeys-owned grocery spending. That beats most cash back cards.
2. Double-dip at partners. Pay with a Scene+ credit card and scan your membership at the same time. You earn card points and partner points on one purchase.
3. Shop online through Rakuten. Linking your accounts turns cash back into Scene+ points, and boosted offers can pay up to 20% more.
4. Rethink Cineplex. Regular tickets now earn 3 points per $1. Redeeming still pays a full cent per point, so treat Cineplex as a place to spend points, not earn them.
5. Watch the 24-month clock. Points don’t expire while you hold an eligible Scotiabank product. If you close your last one, earn or redeem something within 24 months.

How does Scene+ compare to other Canadian programs?

Scene+ tops out at 1 cent per point, so it can’t match programs with fixed-rate flight charts, like RBC Avion, or airline transfers, like American Express Membership Rewards, on travel redemptions. Its edge is earning: up to 6 points per $1 on groceries, and full value on food, movies and fuel as well as travel.

Book-your-own travel with Apply Points to Travel is the flexibility play. It’s simple and works after the fact, which many fixed-chart programs don’t offer. Pair Scene+ with a high-earning Scotiabank card, and compare it against CIBC Rewards and RBC Avion Rewards based on how you spend.

Scene+ FAQ

Are Scotia Rewards and Scene+ the same thing?

Yes. Scotia Rewards and the original SCENE program merged into Scene+. Your Scotiabank cards now earn Scene+ points.

How much are Scene+ points worth?

One cent each for travel, groceries, dining, Cineplex, Home Hardware and Shell. Statement credits, merchandise and gift cards pay 0.75 cents or less.

Do Scene+ points expire?

Not while you hold an eligible Scotiabank product. If you close it, points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

Can I use Scene+ points for travel I booked myself?

Yes. Apply Points to Travel covers eligible travel purchases made within the last 12 months at 100 points per $1.

Does Scene+ have airline transfer partners?

No. Points redeem at a flat rate, which is why travel, groceries and dining all pay 1 cent.

What is the best Scotiabank Scene+ credit card?

The Gold American Express ($120 a year) for groceries, the Passport Visa Infinite+ ($150) for travel, and the Scene+ Visa (no fee) if you want a starter card.

Where can I earn Scene+ points?

At Sobeys-owned grocers, Cineplex, Shell, Home Hardware, participating restaurants, Scene+ Travel and Rakuten.ca, plus with any Scotiabank Scene+ credit card.

Did Cineplex change how Scene+ points work?

Yes. Since May 13, 2026, regular tickets and concessions earn 3 points per $1 instead of 5, and premium formats earn 6. Redemption is still 100 points = $1.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 1¢ for flexible travel bookings, up to 2.33¢ on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. A realistic average is 1.5 to 1.6¢.
• Best cards: the RBC Avion Visa Infinite ($120 a year) for most people, the Avion Visa Infinite Privilege ($399) for big spenders.
• Transfer partners: WestJet, British Airways Avios and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at 1:1, plus American AAdvantage at 10,000 to 7,000.
• Expiry: points don’t expire while you hold an active RBC Avion card.
• Skip it if: you want Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points. Neither is a partner.

Here’s how to earn Avion points, what they’re really worth, and how to squeeze more out of every one.

How much are Avion points worth?

Avion points are worth 1 cent each at baseline and up to 2.33 cents on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. Independent valuations land between 1.5 and 1.6 cents per point on average, so the rule is simple: never redeem for less than 1 cent.

Your card matters. Avion Elite cards (Platinum, Infinite, Infinite Privilege and the business card) unlock the full menu. RBC ION and ION+ cards redeem at 0.58¢ (172 points = $1) and can only transfer to WestJet.

One trick is to hold a regular Avion card and the ION+ since the ION+ card has a higher earning rate and you can transfer your points to your Avion card at any time.

How do you earn Avion points?

You earn Avion points on everyday purchases with an RBC Avion credit card, and the welcome bonus is the fastest route to a free trip.

1. Everyday spending. The Avion Visa Infinite earns 1.25 points per $1 on travel and 1 point per $1 on everything else. The Infinite Privilege earns 1.25 points per $1 on all purchases. The entry-level Avion Visa Platinum earns 1 point per $1.
2. Welcome bonuses. Right now the Infinite offers up to 70,000 points and the Infinite Privilege up to 100,000. Most of that arrives in three chunks: on approval, after you spend $5,000 in six months, and on your first anniversary.
3. Retail partners and promos. The Avion Rewards app and portal regularly run bonus-point offers with partner retailers. Check before you shop online.

There are personal and business Avion cards, so pick one that matches how you spend. The cards are compared below.

How to redeem Avion points for the best value

The best Avion redemptions, in order: the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, airline transfers during a bonus, then flexible travel bookings at 1 cent per point.

1. Air Travel Redemption Schedule

This fixed chart is the program’s best deal. Any airline, no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and you pay a set number of points as long as the base fare fits under the cap. You need the full points amount, and Elite cards only. You pay the full points price even when the fare is cheaper, so the best value comes from fares close to the cap.

Taxes, fees and surcharges sit outside the cap. You can pay them with points too.

2. Transfer to airline partners

Transfers cost nothing and are available on Elite cards. ION and ION+ cards can only send points to WestJet.

RBC runs transfer bonuses from time to time, including up to 30% extra Avios in spring 2026 and up to 15% extra AAdvantage miles. Wait for one when you can. Transfers are one-way, so confirm award space before you move points.

3. Flexible travel bookings

Book flights, hotels, cruises, vacation packages and car rentals through the Avion Rewards Travel portal at 100 points per $1. Taxes and fees are covered, there are no blackout dates, and you can use points for the whole bill. It’s a solid floor at 1 cent per point.

What to avoid

Merchandise and statement credits pay 0.75¢ or less. Gift cards and financial rewards are better, but still lose to almost any travel redemption.

Best RBC Avion credit cards right now

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the best pick for most people. The Infinite Privilege only pays off if you’ll use the lounge passes and clear the $200,000 income bar.

Both cards include travel medical, trip cancellation, travel accident and mobile device insurance. The Privilege adds six lounge passes a year, priority security lanes and premium parking at select Canadian airports.

A few other options. The Avion Visa Platinum is the entry-level Elite card. The Avion Visa Infinite Business card carries a $175 fee and earns 1.25 points per $1 on the first $75,000 you spend each year. The ION and ION+ cards are fine for everyday spending, but they redeem at a weaker rate and only transfer to WestJet, so travel fans should look elsewhere.

Offers change often. Check RBC’s site before you apply.

5 tips to get more from Avion Rewards

1. Price flights on the schedule first. A $340 base fare costs 15,000 points, which is 2.3 cents each. A $1,250 fare to Europe costs 65,000, which is close to 2 cents each. If the fare is well under the cap, book it flexibly instead.
2. Transfer only on a bonus. A 30% Avios bonus turns 10,000 points into 13,000 Avios. Watch for them and move points only when you have a booking in mind.
3. Never take statement credits or merchandise. They pay 0.58 to 0.75 cents per point. Almost anything else is better.
4. Use financial rewards for investing. At 12,000 points for $100 toward an RRSP, TFSA or FHSA, you get 0.83 cents per point, which beats a statement credit by a wide margin.
5. Redeem before you close a card. Points don’t expire while a card is open. Close it and the clock starts. RBC’s terms are reported at 12 months, though older guides say 90 days, so use or transfer your points first.

How does Avion Rewards compare to other Canadian programs?

Avion’s edge is its fixed-rate flight chart and its four airline transfer partners. Its gaps are no Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy transfers, and flexible bookings that run through RBC’s travel portal.

If you want Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points, look at American Express Membership Rewards, which transfers to both. If airline partners don’t matter to you, compare Avion against CIBC Rewards, BMO Rewards, TD Rewards and Scene+ based on where you actually spend. Compare the value you get here to your other options before you commit.

Avion Rewards FAQ

Are RBC Rewards and Avion Rewards the same thing?

Yes. RBC renamed its rewards program Avion Rewards in August 2022. Same points, same program.

How much are Avion points worth?

One cent each for flexible travel bookings, and up to 2.33 cents on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. A realistic average is 1.5 to 1.6 cents.

Do Avion points expire?

Not while you hold an active RBC Avion card. If you close your card, you get a limited window to redeem or transfer what’s left, so use your points first.

Which airlines does RBC Avion transfer to?

WestJet Rewards, British Airways Avios and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at 1:1, and American AAdvantage at 10,000 points to 7,000 miles. There is no fee to transfer.

Can I transfer Avion points to Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy?

No. Neither is an Avion transfer partner.

Can I use Avion points to pay for taxes and fees?

Yes. You can redeem points for taxes, fees and surcharges, including baggage charges and fuel surcharges.

What is the best RBC Avion card?

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite ($120 a year) suits most people. The Avion Visa Infinite Privilege ($399) suits high earners who use lounges.

How do I log in or contact Avion Rewards?

Sign in at avionrewards.com or through RBC Online Banking.

This guide cuts through the noise. You’ll learn how credit scores really work, how to kickstart your credit journey, and how to dodge the traps that wreck your financial reputation. Let’s turn your credit from invisible to impressive.

Understanding Credit in Canada

Credit bureaus in Canada (Equifax and TransUnion) use a numerical scoring system that tracks your borrowing and repayment behaviour. This score is determined by analyzing your credit habits and applying them to their internal algorithms. Having a good credit score is crucial because it demonstrates to lenders your level of financial responsibility.

What is A Credit Score

A credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900 that represents your creditworthiness. In Canada, scores are calculated using information from your credit report combined with additional factors.

Credit score ranges include:

• 760-900: Excellent
• 725-759: Very Good
• 660-724: Good
• 560-659: Fair
• 300-559: Poor

Your credit score impacts your ability to get loans, credit cards, mortgages, and rental applications. Higher scores result in better interest rates and more favourable terms.

Note that the range of scores can be quite broad. Someone with a credit score of 775 is essentially on the same level as someone with a score of 885. While it’s important to maintain a good credit score, you shouldn’t obsess over it.

How Credit Works

Credit works as a system of trust between you and lenders. When you borrow money or use credit products, your payment behaviour is reported to credit bureaus on a monthly basis.

Key factors affecting your score:

• Payment history (35%): On-time payments boost your score
• Credit utilization (30%): Keep balances below 30% of limits
• Credit history length (15%): Older accounts improve your score
• Credit mix (10%): Different types of credit show responsibility
• New credit inquiries (10%): Too many applications can lower your score

Lenders review your credit report before approving applications. They examine your borrowing patterns, current debts, and repayment reliability to assess risk.

Types of Credit Products

Canada offers several credit products that help build your credit history when used responsibly.

Revolving Credit:

• Credit cards
• Lines of credit
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

Instalment Credit:

• Personal loans
• Auto loans
• Mortgages
• Student loans

Secured Credit Products:

• Secured credit cards (require a deposit)

Credit cards are the most accessible starting point for newcomers and young adults. Secured credit cards are a good option if you cannot initially qualify for traditional cards.

Each product type contributes differently to your credit mix. Having both revolving and installment credit demonstrates your ability to manage various financial responsibilities effectively.

Key Factors Affecting Credit Scores

Your credit score in Canada is calculated using five primary components that credit bureaus analyze from your credit history. Payment history carries the most weight at 35% of your score, while credit utilization accounts for 30%.

Payment History

Payment history is the most significant factor in calculating your credit score, making up 35% of the total. This part monitors whether you pay your bills on time and in full. Generally, a single missed payment won’t make a difference, but two consecutive missed payments or two in a 12-month period could significantly impact your credit score. These negative marks can substantially lower your score and can stay visible for up to six years.

Types of payments tracked include:

• Credit card minimum payments
• Loan payments (personal, auto, mortgage)
• Line of credit payments
• Utility bills reported to credit bureaus

Missing payments establish a pattern that lenders see as high risk. The more recent the missed payment, the stronger the negative effect. Multiple missed payments increase the damage and indicate financial trouble to potential lenders.

Credit Utilization

Credit utilization indicates the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. This factor accounts for 30% of your credit score and is the second most significant component.

Your utilization ratio is calculated by dividing your current credit card balances by your total credit limits. For example, if you have $2,000 in balances across cards with a total limit of $10,000, your ratio is 20%.

Optimal utilization guidelines:

• Keep total utilization below 30%
• Aim for individual card utilization under 30%
• Target utilization of 10% or less for best scores

Using more than 30% of your available credit indicates a heavy reliance and potential repayment risk, even if you consistently make minimum payments. Lenders take notice so keep your utilization ratio low. 

Length of Credit History

Credit history length makes up 15% of your score. It’s based on how long you’ve had credit and the average age of all accounts, including closed ones. Opening new accounts frequently can reduce your average account age. That’s why keeping older accounts open, even if they are unused, often benefits your credit score.

Key components measured:

• Age of oldest account
• Average age of all accounts
• Time since account activity

Closed accounts remain part of your credit history for up to 7 years before they are removed from your report. This offers some protection when you close older cards.

Students and newcomers to Canada naturally have shorter credit histories. Building this factor requires patience and consistent credit management over several years.

Recent Applications

Recent credit applications, also called hard inquiries, represent 10% of your credit score. Each application for new credit triggers a hard inquiry that appears on your credit report. Making multiple hard inquiries within a short period suggests you’re seeking credit urgently, which lenders don’t like.

Hard inquiries occur when you apply for:

• Credit cards
• Personal loans
• Auto loans
• Mortgages
• Lines of credit

Each hard inquiry typically reduces your score by 10  points. The impact diminishes over time. In other words, if you practice good credit habits, your credit score will rebound.

Credit Mix

Credit mix accounts for 10% of your credit score and examines the variety of credit types in your profile. Lenders prefer seeing that you can manage different forms of credit responsibly.

Common credit types include:

• Revolving credit (credit cards, lines of credit)
• Installment loans (mortgages, auto loans, personal loans)
• Retail accounts (store credit cards)

A mix of revolving and installment credit shows financial versatility, but it matters less than payment history or utilization. Don’t open accounts just to boost your mix. Stick to credit that fits your needs. A balanced profile builds naturally over time.

Steps to Start Building Credit

Building credit in Canada involves establishing financial products in your name and showing responsible payment behaviour. The three main methods include credit cards, cellular services, and loans, each providing different ways to build your credit history.

Applying for a Credit Card

Credit cards serve as the primary tool for establishing a credit history in Canada. Most major banks offer credit cards specifically designed for newcomers, students and those without existing credit.

Secured credit cards require an upfront deposit that typically matches your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your credit limit becomes $500. This deposit protects the lender while allowing you to build credit history. These are essential for people who can’t access traditional cards.

Getting a Cellular Service in Your Name

Cellphone plans impact your credit history when payments are reported to credit bureaus. Major Canadian providers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus report payment activity to Equifax and TransUnion.

Contract plans usually need credit checks and help build credit more effectively than prepaid options. Post-paid monthly billing establishes a consistent payment history when paid on time.

Opening a Loan

Small personal loans or lines of credit demonstrate your ability to manage installment debt. Credit unions often provide more flexible lending options for those establishing credit.

Personal loans require fixed monthly payments over set terms. Start with smaller amounts like $1,000 to $3,000. Use the funds for necessary purchases or place them in savings while making payments.

Smart Credit Management Practices

Effective credit management involves regular payment habits, strategic use of available credit, and consistent monitoring of your credit history. These practices directly impact your credit score and influence your access to future financial opportunities.

Making On-Time Payments

Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Missing payments can drop your score by 60–100 points. Set up automatic minimum payments to avoid late fees, and pay your full balance when possible to skip interest and show strong financial habits.

Key payment strategies:

• Schedule payments 2-3 days before due dates
• Use banking apps to set payment reminders
• Pay twice monthly to reduce average balances

Late payments remain on your credit report for six years in Canada. A single missed payment can affect your score for months.

Managing Credit Limits and Balances

Aim to keep credit usage below 30% per card. Once you’ve established a solid payment history, request annual credit limit increases. Higher limits result in lower utilization, even if your spending remains the same.

Utilization management tips:

• Pay down balances before statement dates
• Spread purchases across multiple cards
• Ask for limit increases every 6-12 months

Avoid closing old credit cards unless they carry annual fees. Keeping accounts open maintains your credit history length and available credit.

Monitoring Your Credit Report

Check your credit report from both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada annually. You can access free and paid reports through their official websites.

Look for errors in personal information, account details, and payment history. Dispute inaccuracies immediately as they can lower your score unfairly.

What to review monthly:

• Payment history accuracy
• Account balances and limits
• New accounts or inquiries
• Personal information updates

Think about signing up for credit monitoring services that notify you of any changes in your report. These services help you identify identity theft or errors on your report quickly.

Rebuilding Credit After Setbacks

Credit setbacks like missed payments and collections can lower your credit score, but recovery is possible through strategic actions. Secured credit cards offer a dependable way to show responsible credit use while you work on past issues.

Recovering from Missed Payments

Late payments remain on your credit report for six years in Canada. However, their impact decreases significantly after two years of consistent on-time payments.

Contact your creditors immediately when you realize you’ll miss or have missed a payment. Many lenders will be understanding and can work with you to find a solution that won’t affect your credit score.

If you’ve already missed payments, focus on these recovery steps:

• Make all future payments on time without exception
• Pay more than the minimum amount when possible
• Consider setting up automatic payments to avoid future delays
• Keep accounts open to maintain your credit history length

Dealing with Collections

If you’ve avoided making payments, your debt will eventually be sold off to a collections company. Collection accounts can reduce your credit score significantly and remain visible for six years from the original delinquency date.

If it gets to this points, you’ll need to negotiate with the collection agency to discuss payment options.

Consider these collection strategies:

• Verify the debt is legitimate by requesting validation
• Negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount
• Get all agreements in writing before making payments
• Keep records of all communications and payments

Never ignore collections. They won’t disappear and can lead to wage garnishment or legal action in severe cases.

Getting a Secured Credit Card

Secured credit cards require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. They’re specifically designed for people rebuilding credit after setbacks.

Some financial institutions offer secured cards with deposits ranging from $200 to $10,000. Your deposit is refundable when you close the account in good standing.

Key secured card benefits:

• Guaranteed approval regardless of credit history
• Lower fees than many unsecured cards for bad credit
• Graduation options to unsecured cards after 12-24 months

Use your secured card for small, regular purchases like gas or groceries. Pay the full balance monthly and never exceed 30% of your credit limit.

After six months of responsible use, your credit score should begin improving measurably.

Final thoughts

Building credit in Canada is essential if you ever need a loan in the future. Some employers and landlords may even ask you for your credit score, so it’s always best to maintain yours. By managing your credit responsibly, it should not be hard to get an excellent credit rating.